On Their Way
Canon 5D Mark ll, 50 1.2L, 2.2 aperture, 1/400 shutter, 200 ISO. (Totally Rad Action P.O.S Lens used in Photoshop)
This was my first time, during this project, to ask someone I did not know if I could photograph them. In this case, I asked the mother of these two beautiful boys. My family and I were seated outside for dinner at P.F. Changs when we saw them go tumbling by after one another. Katie let out an “awww” and a giggle. They were absolutely irresistible. Chris saw the look in my eye and encouraged me to go photograph them. They were playing in the outdoor area at the Mall. At first I resisted, saying that they didn’t know me. But, after a few minutes I couldn’t stand it anymore. I had to go see if I could photograph those sweet faces. I got up and walked over to where they were with my card in my hand. I introduced myself and asked their mommy if I could photograph them for my project. Their mommy Rozy readily agreed. Thank you, Rozy!
Exploring Together
When I first saw them I thought they were twins. Turns out they are 10 months apart. They are so precious. The oldest, Jessiah, is 3 and the youngest, Salmon, is 2. Rozy and her family are from Ethiopia. They are all beautiful. I met her Aunt and her cousin as well, all stunning women. I wish I had photographed them all together! Perhaps I will see them again soon.
Irresistible Jessiah
She explained to me that the younger one, Salmon, had been recently bitten in the face by a dog. The bite barely missed his eye and did not affect his sight, but he has had several surgeries already to try to correct the damage to the his face. He was listening as she spoke and tensed up a bit as she was explaining it to me. Bless his little heart, he is still traumatized by the memory. He is also still incredibly beautiful as you can see below.
Precious Salmon
I only got to spend a few minutes with this precious family, but I think I could have spent hours talking with Rozy and her Aunt Mimi and watching the boys play with their cousin Eman. Eman is 13. She is so lovely too!
Elegant Eman
I love spending time with people and hearing their stories. Katie suggested that I take 30 days and just interview and photograph strangers. I think I would like that, although it can be intimidating. Now that I have broken through the first barrier, maybe it will be easier from here on. We will see.
Here are a few more of these captivating boys. I could have watched them play all night. Beautiful, inside and out.
Soulful Eyes
Juicebox Happy
Getting His Dance On
2 Comments
I’m with Katie. I think this is some of your most spontaneous and popping work. You can feel the energy of those sweet boys come right through the pictures!!!
Do it!!!!! How fun. Make sure those people get the link to your site. New fans 🙂
Awesome.
Sitting in Ty’s room with a cup of your favorite coffee in my hand, reading this beautiful blog = a very happy way to be.
So proud of you, momma, for doing this. And they are so lovely. Well done!